In what can only be described as a perfect day for cricket, the Australian Shipowners Association held a Centenary Cricket Match on Tuesday 11 November to play for the coveted Australasian Steamship Owners Chairman’s Shield.

The two traditional foes of the Shield, Victoria and NSW, took the oval just after midday amid a vocal contingent of supporters and players. Fittingly, Bob McKay (AMSA) umpired from the City End with David Baxendale officiating at the Southern End.

NSW won the toss and elected to bat and scored a commendable 140 runs by the end of the first session.

The top scorer for NSW was Matthew Cowell (Stolt NYK) with 30, closely followed by Andrew Miller (Stolt NYK) the NSW Captain on 28.

The best of the Victorian bowlers were Dianne McGee (ASP) and Hayden Latchford (BP) the Victorian Captain, both taking three wicket hauls. Bob Bird (ASP) was impressive in the field, holding three catches at second slip.

After drinks and in a stiffening southerly breeze, NSW took the field.

Victoria won the game with three balls to spare thanks to a brave stand by the injured Dale Emmerton (Patrick), with a total score of 159.

Top scorers for Victoria were Craig Faulkner (Adsteam) with 27 and Lachlan Payne (ASA) on 24.

Glenn Pipkin (TT Line) and Greg Philpot (Adsteam) bagged two wickets each for NSW.

In presenting the winning side with the Chairman’s Shield, the ASA Chairman David Sterrett reminded those present of the long and proud history of the Shield, having been first presented by W. T. Appleton in 1903, and the shipping industry to which it belongs.

New South Wales

Back Row L – R: Nigel Porteous (ASPSM), Tim Green (ASA), Matthew Cowell (Stolt NYK), Rodney Kerrison (Stolt NYK), David Hutchinson (ASPSM), Brett Whiteoak (BP)

Front Row (seated) L- R: Glenn Pipkin (TT Line), Angela Gillham (ASA), Andrew Miller (Stolt NYK) (C), Teresa Hatch (ASA), Greg Philpott (Adsteam)

Back Row L – R: David Sterrett (ASA), Trevor Griffett (ASA), Craig Faulkner (Adsteam), Dale Emmerton (Patrick), Camille Ryan (ASA)

Front Row (seated) L – R: Dianne Murray (Trident), Geoff Wood (TT Line), Lachlan Payne (ASA), Hayden Latchford (BP) (C), Bob Bird (ASPSM). Absent – Dianne Magee

More photos from the day...